How to Save $264 a Year on Beauty Treatments

Learn how to extend the life of your haircut, facial, manicure and more

Nothing makes you feel more put-together than a polished manicure, but spending $12-$30 (not including tax or tip) on manicured nails weekly can quickly become an expensive addiction. Follow Schaeffer's tips to make your manicure last up to a month.

Tip 1: Keep your nails short as longer nails will always chip faster or break easier and nothing says "I need a manicure" like a broken nail. Tip 2: Moisturized hands always look more manicured, so apply a moisturizing product to your cuticles daily. "Cuticle oil goes a long way and not only keeps cuticles healthy, it also reduces dry, flaky skin around your nail beds and can reduce hangnails," says Schaeffer. He suggests using OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil, $7.50, "It is perfect for your pocket or purse and soothes with Vitamin E and avocado, sunflower, sesame and kukui nut oils," he adds. Tip 3: Apply a top coat after three days if polish is still in good shape to keep your manicure looking cleaner and chip-free longer. Try Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat, $5.25.Tip 4: If possible, avoid overuse of hands. Your manicured nails aren't tools so don't try to use them to open soda cans, peel off stickers from produce, etc. Tip 5: Hot water will lift polish off your nail bed so keep showers short, stay out of the tub, and use protective gloves when washing dishes or cleaning.

great article. Totally agree with the previous reviewer, thoug. You definitely can save MUCH more if you do some of those things yourself. It is easy to do perfect (even better than salon) mani-pedi, eyebrow shaping yourself.